So, the Kung Fu Panda 4 movie is out after a long wait. Is it worth it? Well, let’s find out together in this Kung Fu Panda 4 review.
New Developments
Directed by Mike Mitchell and Stephanie Ma Stine, and written by Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger, and Darren Lemke, Kung Fu Panda 4 takes Po’s story further. He’s no longer just the Dragon Warrior; now, he’s supposed to pass on his wisdom and become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace.
Kung Fu Panda 4 Review: Po’s Dilemma
Po’s journey resonates with our own struggles. After achieving success, we often have to step back and let others take the spotlight. But Po is a restless soul; he only finds peace in adventure. As he says, “If you want to kick butt, you must seek butt to be kicked.”
Character Dynamics
Jack Black once again brings Po to life, blending seamlessly with the character. Awkwafina’s Zhen adds a new dynamic, challenging Po’s resistance to change. Viola Davis’s powerful voice gives weight to the villainous character, even if not fully explored.
New Setting
The movie introduces Juniper City, bringing fresh elements to Po’s world. Bulls serve as the city’s police force, and a Tanggu drum leads to an underground crime den. Amidst the city’s chaos, there’s a pelican character that stands out, adding fun to the mix.
What’s missing in Kung Fu Panda 4?
Well, some cool new characters have shown up, but they can’t fill the big gap left by the Furious Five. Remember them? They were Po’s original gang, and without them, something feels off. It’s like they tried too hard to make the new characters fit in. Sure, it’s cool for Po to meet new friends, but when his old pals show up just for a quick wave, it feels like they should’ve been part of the story from the start.
Also, the music in this movie isn’t hitting the mark like before. You know Hans Zimmer, the guy who does epic soundtracks? Well, it’s like he’s having an off day here. Compared to something like Dune: Part 2, his music for Kung Fu Panda 4 doesn’t stand out. Even the song at the end, a remix of Britney Spears’s “One More Time” by Tenacious D, doesn’t have the same energy as the original.
The action scenes are all alright, but they don’t blend as well with the humor and drama as they used to. So, is Kung Fu Panda losing its touch? Maybe not. Jack Black still has plenty of Po in him, and there’s potential for him to team up with old and new friends to battle even bigger baddies. What the series might need is a fresh perspective, and a new director who can guide Po on exciting new adventures, both physical and spiritual, kind of like Master Shifu did.
Conclusion
In the end, Kung Fu Panda 4 may not reach the heights of its predecessors, but it’s still a worthwhile addition to the franchise. It’s like finding an extra dumpling in your bamboo steamer—a pleasant surprise that leaves you satisfied.
In a nutshell, Kung Fu Panda 4 offers familiar humor, engaging action, and some new twists to keep fans entertained. So, if you’re a fan of the Kung Fu Panda franchise, it’s definitely worth a watch.
